GEO: The New Frontier of SEO in the Age of AI
- Veronica Filice
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
In 2024, a new digital marketing shift became impossible to ignore: brands no longer need to be found only by Google, they need to be understood, quoted, and recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Bing Copilot.
This is where GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) comes in.
After 6 months of hands-on work with 3/4 clients across different industries, the results speak clearly: GEO isn’t replacing traditional SEO, it’s enhancing it.
It brings less volume but more qualified traffic and entirely new channels of visibility through generative AI platforms.
What is GEO?
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is a set of strategies designed to optimize your website and content so that large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Bing, can crawl, interpret, and cite your content as a reliable source when generating answers for users.
In short: it’s not just about ranking on Google anymore, it’s about becoming the trusted source that AI tools recommend.
Our GEO + SEO Framework
Here’s how we’ve been implementing GEO strategies alongside SEO in real-world projects:
1. User Behavior & Keyword Intent Analysis
We use tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, and Semrush to:
Map user intent and search behavior
Identify content gaps
Understand how users ask questions and explore topics
2. Optimizing for LLMs (Large Language Models)
Creating the llm.txt File
Just like robots.txt, the llm.txt is a simple, experimental text file placed in the root of your website to guide LLM crawlers on which parts of your content to access or prioritize.
⚠️ Important: This file is not yet officially supported by all AI systems, but platforms like Perplexity are already testing its use, and some SEO/AI tools are starting to recognise it.
b. Structuring AI-Friendly Content
Use of Q&A sections
Clear, conversational language
Headings and subheadings (H1–H3)
Semantic formatting over keyword stuffing
We also focus on highlighting key pages (FAQs, blog posts, guides, etc.) and optimizing them to increase the chance of being used as primary sources by AI tools.
3. Backlinking & Authority Signals
In the world of GEO, authority matters more than ever.
AI tools prioritize content that comes from:
High-trust domains
Sites that have been cited before
Verified businesses with clear credentials
That’s why we:
Add awards, certifications, and mentions to high-traffic pages
Update LinkedIn and Google Business profiles
Include media coverage and partnerships in our outreach and content
How Long Does GEO Take?
For existing sites with a Structured SEO presence:
Initial GEO signals show up in 3–4 months.
For new websites:
A realistic timeframe is 6 months, especially if paired with SEO to support both organic and AI-based visibility.
Real Use Cases: ChatGPT & Perplexity as the New Search Front-End
Users today don’t just “Google” things anymore. They ask ChatGPT or Perplexity:
“What’s the best wellness service for teams in California?”
“How do I improve my eCommerce UX?”
“What is an llm.txt file?”
If your content answers these questions in a way that’s clear, trusted, and well-structured, there’s a high chance that AI will quote your site as a source.
Final Thoughts
In a world where search is becoming more conversational, GEO is the bridge between your expertise and the AI-driven answers users receive.
Want to know if your site is ready for GEO?
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